CVE-2020-0138 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In get_element_attr_rsp of btif_rc.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution if bluetoothtbd were used, which it isn't in typical Android platforms, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-10Android ID: A-142878416
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0138 resides within the Bluetooth stack implementation of Android systems, specifically in the btif_rc.cc file where the get_element_attr_rsp function processes Bluetooth remote control responses. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the system fails to validate array boundaries before writing data to memory locations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets to trigger memory corruption, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the Bluetooth subsystem. The issue is particularly concerning because it exists in the core Bluetooth protocol handling code that manages remote control operations between Bluetooth devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for buffer management. The flaw manifests when the Bluetooth subsystem receives a malformed response packet containing element attributes that exceed the expected bounds of allocated memory buffers. This allows an attacker to write data beyond the intended memory allocation, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical control data structures. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that an attacker positioned within Bluetooth range could trigger the condition without requiring any user interaction or additional privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth communication is prevalent.
From an operational perspective, the vulnerability's impact is significant despite not being present in typical Android platform configurations, as it demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the Bluetooth stack's memory management. The fact that exploitation requires no additional execution privileges and no user interaction makes this a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise Android devices through wireless means. The vulnerability affects Android 10 systems and represents a critical security gap in the Bluetooth protocol implementation that could potentially be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to device resources, execute malicious code, or disrupt normal Bluetooth operations. The attack surface is broad given the widespread use of Bluetooth connectivity in modern smartphones and IoT devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms within the Bluetooth protocol handler code and ensuring that all input data is validated against expected ranges before memory operations are performed. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches provided by Google and device manufacturers to address this specific memory corruption flaw. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Bluetooth access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous input validation in network protocol implementations and serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required when handling wireless communication protocols in mobile operating systems. The issue also demonstrates the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential risks associated with legacy Bluetooth implementations that may not receive regular security updates.